Page 19 of Ruthless Beast

“I’d like that.”

“Good. Are you free tomorrow evening? Let’s say around 7 p.m.”

“Sure. Where?”

“Do you have a preference when it comes to food?”

“I’m not fussy. I’ll eat it if it’s tasty. I must warn you, though. I’m not the kind of girl who pushes salad around her plate. I have a healthy appetite.”

“Good. I like a woman who enjoys having a mouthful.”

Lucas is definitely flirting with me. It’s working too. I’m suddenly very turned on.

“Hello, is anyone here?” a voice from the front of the shop interrupts us.

“Saved by the bell,” Lucas grins. “See you tomorrow evening. Would you like me to pick you up?”

“No. That’s alright. I’ll meet you at the restaurant.”

“I’ll forward you the address.”

* * *

“Wow! You look stunning, Ems.”

“Thanks, Dannie. I don't know why, but I’m nervous.”

“Really?”

“Yup.”

“Well, I suppose it is a little intimidating going out with someone as drop dead gorgeous as Lucas.”

“He’s sexy AF, alright. But that’s not it. There’s something about him. I don't know what it is, but he makes me all giddy and nervous. I feel like a schoolgirl with a crush on a sexy teacher.”

Dannie laughs.

“Oh, yes, please. I got a really wicked mental picture just now.”

“Behave yourself, Daniella. I saw him first.”

“Fine,” she laughs. “It’s good to see you smiling again, babes.”

“I almost feel guilty for living my life while David is dead.”

“Don’t you dare, Ems,” she says softly, pulling me into a hug. “David loved you more than anything in the world. He’d want you to be as happy as you can be. You have nothing to feel guilty about.”

“How are you doing, Dannie? I know you were in love with David. You and I have lost someone so dear to us.”

Dannie’s eyes tear up.

“I still can’t believe he’s gone,” she says, wiping at a tear as it rolls down her cheek.

“We’re going to be alright, Dannie.”

“I know, but, fuck it, it hurts!”

“Go have some fun, Ems.”

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